Cuvette control unit and controlling method using the same

ABSTRACT

On both end portions of bar code CA to be affixed on a cuvette, there are codes for controlling, start code S and stop code P which are codes for detecting end portions. Identification information INF of each cuvette is produced, regarding the codes for controlling as code for information, together with original code for information I. Then, many cuvettes can be controlled with one digit of code for infomation I.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to a unit for controlling cuvettes to beused at the time of counting number of leukocyte mixed in bloodproducts.

[0002] At the time of counting the number of leukocyte mixed in bloodproducts, it is necessary to mix blood products and hemolysisfluorescent dyeing reagent with each other so as to react in aconventional method. FIG. 1 is a view for showing a cuvette (a containerfor measurement), (a) is a side view and (b) is a view seen from arrow Aof (a). A cuvette 1, which is the container for inserting blood productsand reagent therein, has a hollow main body 2 made of colorless, andtransparent plastic and a colored lid 3 made of rubber, as shown inFIG. 1. The main body 2 is open on the upper hand, and its openingportion is an installation portion 2 d of the lid 3. The lid 3 isattachably and detachably installed on this installation portion 2 d. Onthe lower side of the installation portion 2 d of the main body 2, abody portion 2 c in a cylindrical shape is formed on its center portion,and the side lower than the body portion 2 c is a taper portion 2 b.With the lower end of the taper portion 2 b, a plate portion 2 a isprovided. The whole main body 2 and the plate portion 2 a are formed soas to unit with each other, and the whole has a shape like a cone facingthe lower. The lid 3 is inserted into the installation portion 2 d, andthe installation portion 2 d is a cylindrical shape having the diameterbigger than one of the body portion 2 c so as not to drop the lid 3 inthe body portion 2 c.

[0003] At the time of counting number of leukocyte mixed in bloodproducts using the above-mentioned cuvettes 1, ninety six (96), forinstance, of empty cuvettes 1 for exclusive use are taken out of acuvette box, and ID number is entered on the main body 2 of all of thecuvettes 1 with a marking ink so as to identify. And, a unique ID numberis affixed on blood products bag when blood is collected, and the bloodproducts ID and the cuvette ID are corresponded to each other and thecorrespondence is entered in a note book or the like.

[0004] Subsequently, 100 μL of hemolysis ™ fluorescent dyeing reagent,for instance, is respectively added to the ninety six (96) cuvettes 1.Thereafter, 100 μL of the blood, for instance, is extracted from theblood products, and the extracted blood is added to the cuvette 1 whichthe reagent is in so as to mix and react. The above-mentioned operationis repeated for the ninety six cuvettes 1 in order. Thereafter, thecuvette 1 in which the reagent and the blood products are reacted istaken out so as to centrifuge. And, the cuvette 1 is taken out of thecentrifugal so as to set on a micro-leukocytometer.

[0005] On this occasion, it is necessary to manually input the bloodproducts ID in the micro-leukocytometer. In this machine, laser beamsare exposed to the leukocyte staying on the lower hand of the cuvette 1,and the image is analyzed with a CCD camera or the like from the lowerhand or the side hand so as to count the number of the leukocyte. Thecounted result is displayed, corresponding to the input blood productsID, and is printed or is stored in a memory medium.

[0006] In a conventional method of controlling cuvettes, it is necessaryfor a tester to enter ID number on the cuvettes 1 and to enter thecorrespondence between the cuvette ID and the blood products ID onanother place. But, the enter of numbers is a close operation since thecuvette 1 is about 30 mm in whole length and the maximum diameter isabout 18 mm, for instance, so it is small. Besides, ninety six (96)times of entry is necessary for one box, and ninety six (96) times ofcorrespondence of ID number is also necessary. Information, such asblood center, place where blood is collected, serial number is includedin the blood products ID, and this ID is 10 digits number. As mentionedbefore, the blood products ID is manually input in a measuringinstrument. There are some problems during the above-mentionedoperation, for instance, there is a possibility of error operation, anda tester strongly feels mental and physical pain.

[0007] For these reasons, each cuvette 1 is controlled using bar code tobe used for individual data control in another field. But, the cuvette 1is small, as mentioned before. For this reason, the size of the placewhere bar code is affixed is limited. So, the problem whereinconventional bar code can not be affixed as it is exists.

[0008] Then, the object of the present invention is to provide a cuvettecontrol unit capable of controlling cuvettes 1 with bar code even if thecuvette is small and the size of the place where bar code is affixed islimited.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The invention of claim 1 is cuvette control unit for controllingcuvettes by reading a first bar code affixed on said cuvette, said firstbar code being comprised of codes for controlling located on both endportions and code for information located between said codes forcontrolling, said cuvette control unit comprising:

[0010] a first reading means capable of reading said first bar code;

[0011] a cuvette identification information producing means forproducing cuvette identification information corresponding to saidcuvette on which said first bar code is affixed from said code forcontrolling and said code for information of said first bar code read bysaid first reading means; and

[0012] a memory means for storing said cuvette identificationinformation produced by said cuvette identification informationproducing means, corresponding to said cuvette on which said first barcode is affixed.

[0013] According to the present invention relating to claim 1, theidentification information of a cuvette is produced from codes forcontrolling located on both end portions of the first bar code and thecode for information located between said codes for controlling, and theidentification information of the cuvette is stored by the memory means,corresponding to the cuvette. Then, the capacity of the identificationinformation of the cuvette can be increased according to the number ofkinds of the codes for controlling with the same digits of code forinformation. Therefore, the capacity of the identification informationfor identifying the cuvettes can be sufficiently obtained even if onedigit is decreased in comparison with the digits of code for informationhaving a general bar code. That is, identification and control ofcuvettes are possible with the bar code having smaller digits than ageneral bar code.

[0014] The invention of claim 2 is the cuvette control unit as set forthin claim 1, wherein said cuvette identification information producingmeans produces said cuvette identification information corresponding tosaid cuvette on which said first bar code is affixed from start code ofsaid codes for controlling and said code for information.

[0015] According to the present invention relating to claim 2, theidentification information is produced from the start code of the codesfor controlling and the code for information of the first bar code suchthat the capacity of the identification information of the bar code,wherein digit of the code for information is the same, can be increasedaccording to the number of kinds of the start code, and more cuvettesthan a general bar code can be identified and controlled.

[0016] The invention of claim 3 is the cuvette control unit as set forthin claim 1, wherein said cuvette identification information producingmeans produces said cuvette identification information corresponding tosaid cuvette on which said first bar code is affixed from stop code ofsaid codes for controlling and said code for information.

[0017] According to the present invention relating to claim 3, theidentification information is produced from the stop code of the codesfor controlling and the code for information of the first bar code suchthat the capacity of the identification information of the bar code,wherein digit of the code for information is the same, can be increasedaccording to the number of kinds of the stop code, and more cuvettesthan a general bar code can be identified and controlled.

[0018] The invention of claim 4 is the cuvette control unit as set forthin claim 1, wherein said cuvette identification information producingmeans produces said cuvette identification information corresponding tosaid cuvette on which said first bar code is affixed from start code ofsaid codes for controlling and stop code of said codes for controllingand said code for information.

[0019] According to the present invention relating to claim 4, theidentification information is produced from the start code and the stopcode of the codes for controlling and the code for information of thefirst bar code such that the capacity of the identification informationof the bar code, wherein digit of the code for information is the same,can be increased according to the number of kinds of the start code andthe stop code, and further more cuvettes than a general bar code can beidentified and controlled. For instance, ninety six (96) cuvettes, whichare generally used, can be identified and controlled even with one digitof code for information.

[0020] The invention of claim 5 is the cuvette control unit as set forthin claim 1, wherein said first bar code is comprised of said codes forcontrolling comprised of start code and stop code, one digit of saidcode for information and one digit of code for inspection.

[0021] According to the present invention relating to claim 5, thecuvettes can be identified and controlled with four digits of bar codesince the cuvette identification information can be obtained by thefirst bar code comprised of codes for controlling comprised of the startcode and the stop code, one digit of code for information and one digitof code for inspection. Then, the bar code can be affixed to the cuvettewherein the size of the bar code label to be affixed is limited, so thecuvettes can be identified and controlled.

[0022] The invention of claim 6 is the cuvette control unit as set forthin claims 1 through 5 for controlling a plurality of said cuvettesstored in a cuvette box on which a second bar code is affixed, wherein asecond reading means capable of reading said second bar code isprovided, a cuvette box identification information producing means forproducing cuvette box identification information corresponding to saidcuvette box, on which said second bar code is affixed, from said secondbar code read by said second reading means is provided, and a storingcontrol means for storing said cuvette identification informationcorresponding to said cuvette stored in said cuvette box, on which saidsecond bar code is affixed, read by said second reading means, producedby said cuvette identification information producing means, and saidcuvette box identification information produced by said cuvette boxidentification information producing means, corresponding to each otherin said memory means is provided.

[0023] According to the present invention relating to claim 6, theidentification information can be further increased since the second barcode in which the cuvette box identification information is entered isaffixed on the cuvette box storing a plurality of cuvettes, and the readcuvette identification information and the read cuvette boxidentification information are stored in the memory means, correspondingto each other. Then, the number capable of identifying cuvettes isfurther increased, and the identification of each cuvette can be madeperfect.

[0024] The invention of claim 7 is controlling method, comprising:

[0025] storing corresponding relation information between blood productsinformation obtained by a third bar code affixed on a blood productsstoring means storing blood products and said cuvette identificationinformation of said first bar code affixed on said cuvette obtained bysaid cuvette control unit as set forth in claims 1 through 6 in saidmemory means, when said blood products is processed using said cuvettes;and

[0026] controlling said blood products by said cuvette identificationinformation.

[0027] According to the present invention relating to claim 7, bloodproducts can be controlled on the basis of the cuvette identificationinformation in a measurement operation since the corresponding relationinformation between the blood products information by the third bar codeaffixed on the blood products storing means and the cuvetteidentification information is stored in the memory means so as tocontrol blood products by the cuvette identification information.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028]FIG. 1 is a view for showing a cuvette according to the presentinvention, (a) is a side view, and (b) is a view seen from arrow A of(a);

[0029]FIG. 2 is a view for showing an example of a position on which barcode label is affixed according to the present invention, (a) is the barcode label of a cuvette, (b) is the bar code label of cuvette box, and(c) is the bar code label of blood products bag;

[0030]FIG. 3 is a view for showing an example of a cuvette control unitaccording to the present invention;

[0031]FIG. 4 is a conceptual view for showing an example of a structurefor using bar code;

[0032]FIG. 5 is a view for showing ID corresponding table (IDcorresponding list) for registering cuvette ID and the like;

[0033]FIG. 6 is a flowchart for showing an example of process contentsof control program set in a computer;

[0034]FIG. 7 is a flowchart for showing an example of process contentsof subroutine for searching ID corresponding table;

[0035]FIG. 8 is a flowchart for showing an example of process contentsof command selection subroutine;

[0036]FIG. 9 is a flowchart for showing an example of process contentsof another command subroutine 1;

[0037]FIG. 10 is a view for showing an example of the bar code label,(a) is a general bar code label of ID in cuvette box, (b) is a bar codelabel of ID in cuvette box of the present embodiment and (c) is a barcode label of cuvette box ID;

[0038]FIG. 11 is a view for showing an example of a structure of the barcode, (a) is a code of ID in cuvette box and (b) is a code of cuvettebox ID.

[0039]FIG. 12 is an explanation view for comparing the bar code label instraightened state and the bar code label in the state of being affixedon the cuvette with each other, (a) is a top view and (b) is a view seenfrom arrow B of (a);

[0040]FIG. 13 is a block view for showing an example of a structure ofthe cuvette control unit according to the present invention; and

[0041]FIG. 14 is a view for showing using example when the contents ofcode corresponding to the identification information INF of ID incuvette box are entered with start code S, data code I and stop code P.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0042] Embodiments of the present invention will now be explainedhereinafter, referring to drawings.

[0043] A cuvette 1 is a conventional one, and is the same as oneexplained in “BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION”. So, its explanation isomitted (see FIG. 1). FIG. 2(a) is a view for showing an example of aposition of a first bar code 5 (“bar code label” hereinafter) to beaffixed on the cuvette 1. The bar code label 5 is affixed so as to windon an outer periphery of the installation portion 2 d of the lid havingmaximum diameter in the cuvette main body 2.

[0044]FIG. 10(a) and (b) are views for each showing an example of thebar code label 5 (numeric value in the figure shows dimension, and itsunit is mm). The place for affixing the bar code label 5 on the cuvette1 is limited since the cuvette 1 is small in size.

[0045] The bar code label 5 is affixed on the outer periphery portion ofthe installation portion 2 d of the upper lid having maximum diametersince the contents can not be seen if it is affixed on the body portion2 c of the cuvette 1 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). Therefore, it is inevitable tomake the label small, as a bar code label 5 a as shown in FIG. 10(a).

[0046]FIG. 12 is a view for explaining contrast between the bar codelabel in straightened state and the bar code label affixed on thecuvette, (a) is plane view and (b) is a view seen from arrow B of (a).The installation portion 2 d of the lid of the cuvette 1 is a circularshape seen from plane, as shown in FIG. 1(b). If a general bar codelabel 5 a of FIG. 10(a) is affixed on the installation portion 2 d ofthe lid and a bar code label 5 b affixed on a circle projected on aplane is seen from the side in the direction as shown by the arrow A, itis made small in right and left direction as shown in FIG. 12 incomparison with the straight bar code label 5 a. For this reason,effective reading quantity with respect to margin portions 5 c of rightand left of the bar code label 5 a is decreased, and then, it isdifficult to read the bar code label 5 a for a bar code reader 14.

[0047] Then, as shown in FIG. 10(b), margin portions 5 d of 12 mm areprovided with the bar code label 5 so that the label has a size longerthan half of the round of the installation portion 2 d of the lid (thelongest if it is seen from the side) by making the margin portion 5 c of5 mm in general case longer. By doing so, the bar code label 5 a can beeasily read when it is read with the bar code reader 14.

[0048]FIG. 2(b) is a view for showing an example of a position of asecond bar code (“bar code label” hereinafter) 7 which is affixed on acuvette box 6, and FIG. 10(c) is a view for showing an example of thebar code label 7. In the cuvette box 6 made with corrugated cardboardbox or the like, twelve (12) rows of cuvette stands 9 are entered. Oneach cuvette stand 9, eight (8) cuvettes 1 are put in a row. Then,twelve (12) rows×eight (8)= ninety six (96) of cuvettes 1 are entered inthe cuvette box 6. The bar code label 7 is affixed on the outside, theupper portion or the outer periphery portion of the cuvette box 6.

[0049]FIG. 2(c) is a view for showing an example of a position of thirdbar code (“bar code label” hereinafter) 13 affixed on a blood productsbag 10 (bag shape) or 11 (bottle shape). The bar code label 13 isaffixed on the surface of the blood products bag 10 or 11.

[0050]FIG. 3 is a view for showing an example of a cuvette control unit19 according to the present invention. The cuvette control unit 19 hasreading means (“bar code reader” hereinafter) 14, which is a knownelectronic equipment, a micro-leukocytometer 17 and a computer 15, asshown in FIG. 3. The bar code reader 14 and the micro-leukocytometer 17are connected with the computer 15 via connection cables 18, 18. On thisoccasion, the first reading means and the second reading means use thesame bar code reader in the present embodiment. But, a plurality of barcode readers may be used.

[0051]FIG. 13 is a block diagram for showing an example of a structurein the computer of the cuvette control unit. As shown in FIG. 13, a maincontrol portion 100 is provided with the computer 15. With the maincontrol portion 100, a keyboard 101, a monitor 102, a program executionportion 103, an input judging portion 104, a reader control portion 105,a bar code judging portion 106, a registration execution portion 107, atable storing portion 108, an ID searching portion 109, a measurementcontrol portion 110, an information producing portion 111 are provided.An ID command list 103 a is held by the program execution portion 103.Besides, an ID corresponding table (ID corresponding list) TB is storedin the table storing portion 108, and the bar code reader 14 isconnected with the reader control portion 105 being free to control.

[0052]FIG. 4 is a conceptual view for showing an example of a structurefor using the bar code. As mentioned before, the bar code label 7 isaffixed on the cuvette box 6, and the bar code label 5 is affixed to thecuvette 1. Bar code CA capable of becoming ninety six (96) kinds ofvalues, equal to the number of the cuvettes 1 to be entered in onecuvette box 6 is shown on the bar code label 5 to be affixed on eachcuvette 1. This value of the bar code CA is for indentifing each cuvette1 in each cuvette box 6, and is named “ID in cuvette box”, and is thevalue, such as “a1a”, “a1b”, . . . “c8d”, for instance, as shown in FIG.4. Bar code CB capable of becoming n (or more) kinds of values, the sameas the total number (number is n) of the cuvette boxes 6 to be used isshown on the bar code label 7 to be affixed on the cuvette box 6. Thisvalue of the bar code CB is for indentifing each cuvette box, and isnamed “cuvette box ID”, and is the value, such as “000000001”,“000000002”, “000000003”. . . “n”, for instance, as shown in FIG. 4.That is, ninety six (96) (the cuvettes in each box)×n (total number ofboxes)—96· n of cuvettes can be indentified by combining the bar codesCA and CB with each other in stories as shown in FIG. 4. On thisoccasion, unique data combined the ID in cuvette box (the bar code CA)and the cuvette box ID (the bar code CB) with each other for identifying96·n of cuvettes 1 is made CUVETTE ID (corresponding to record No. inthe table mentioned hereinafter) . The value of the bar code shown onthe bar code 13 of the blood products bag 10, 11 is its blood productsinformation (“products ID” hereinafter).

[0053] With this structure, an operation is executed as follows. FIG. 6is a flowchart for showing an example of the process contents of thecontrol program set in the computer 15.

[0054] A tester inputs start command of the control program through thekeyboard 101 of the computer 15 and the like. This start command istransferred to the main control portion 100. Receiving this, the maincontrol portion 100 instructs the program execution portion 103 toexecute the control program. By doing so, the program execution portion103 starts the control program (see FIG. 13). At the time of start,predetermined initial process routine, such as initialization ofparameter, (shown with “FIRST” in FIG. 6) is executed (step S1).

[0055] <Registration of cuvette ID>

[0056] At first, cuvette ID is registered. That is, a tester gets thebar code reader 14 to read predetermined bar code (not shown) (bar codefor registration comannd). The read information is input by the readercontrol portion 105. On the other hand, the input judging portion 104judges whether or not there is any input of information (step S2). Whenthere is the input of information, as to whether or not this informationis by bar code input is judged (step S3). In this case, this is bar codeinput, so the program enters in step S4 via step S2 and step S3 of FIG.6.

[0057] That is, the bar code judging portion 106 judges as to whether ornot the information input by bar code input is the bar code command(step S4). As mentioned before, predetermined bar code (bar code forcommand) was read by the bar code reader 14. Then, the bar code judgingportion 106 judges this is the bar code command. Receving the judgedresult, the program execution portion 103 executes command selectionsub-routine (step S5).

[0058]FIG. 8 is a flowchart for showing an example of the processcontents of the command selection subroutine. The bar code judgingportion 106 judges whether or not the information judged as the bar codecommand is registered command by referring the ID command list 103 aholding in the program execution portion 103 in advance (step S51). Inthis case, this was registered command, then, the bar code judgingportion 106 judges this is the registration command, and the programproceeds with the following step S52.

[0059]FIG. 5 is a view for showing ID corresponding table forregistering cuvette ID and the like. That is, the registration executionportion 107 calls the table TB as shown in FIG. 5(a) stored in the tablestoring portion 108, and judges the possibility of inputting record tothe table TB. In the present embodiment, an input pointer (not shown) isproduced in the table TB by receiving the value of cuvette box ID.Therefore, the judgement as to whether or not the above-mentioned recordcan be input is done as the judgement as to whether or not cuvette boxID is input (step S52).

[0060] When the judgement that cuvette box ID has not been input due tojust after registration start is done, the registration executionportion 107 outputs request of inputting cuvette box ID (step S53). Thisrequest is executed by displaying message through the monitor 102, forinstance. Responding to this request, a tester gets the bar code reader14 to read the bar code label 7 of the cuvette box 6 (when allregistration finishes, a command of registration finish is read andinput in place of reading the bar code label 7 of the cuvette box 6 atthis time). The program enters in step S55 since the command of finishof all registration is not input at step S54.

[0061] That is, the read information is input through the reader controlportion 105, and the input information is stored in a predeterminedfield of the table TB of the table storing portion 108 by theregistration execution portion 107 as cuvette box ID (step S55). In FIG.5(a), for instance, the cuvette box ID which is “000000001” is stored inthe item of “cuvette box ID” of the table TB.

[0062] When the cuvette box ID is thus input, the program enters in stepS52 again, as shown in FIG. 8, and the judgement the cuvette box ID isinput is done. Then, the registration execution portion 107 requests toinput ID in cuvette box and products ID (step S56). This request is doneby displaying message through the monitor 102, for instance. On theother hand, at this time, hemolysis ™ fluorescent dyeing reagent hasbeen injected into each cuvette 1. Furthermore, the blood extracted fromblood products is entered in each cuvette 1 so as to mix. That is, ID incuvette box and products ID are input at this mixing time of the blood.

[0063] A tester gets the bar code reader 14 to read the bar code label 5of the cuvette 1, and to read the bar code label 13 of the bloodproducts bags 10, 11 of the blood products to be mixed in the cuvette 1.The read information is input through the reader control portion 105. Ofthe bar code input, the bar code CA of the bar code label 5 of thecuvette 1 is input in the information producing portion 111.

[0064] Producing of information in the information producing portion 111will now be explained hereinafter.

[0065]FIG. 11 is a view for showing an example of a structure of thecode of the bar code label 5 or 7. The character S in the figure showsstart code (four signals a, b, c, d) , and C, C1 through C9 show datacode (signal is 0 through 9), D shows check digit (signal is determinedby calculation), P shows stop code (four signals, a, b, c, d) , and thepart shown by I is one of data code, and one shown information contents.Ninety six (96) kinds of codes should be prepaired for the bar codelabel 5 to be affixed on the cuvette 1 since ninety six (96) cuvettes 1are in one cuvette box 6.

[0066] Three kinds of codes, start code S, check digit D and stop code Pare generally necessary for bar code, in addition to data code I showinginformation contents. Since capacity of ninety six (96) kinds or more isnecessary for data code, 2 digits (characters) (10×10=100 kinds) withdecimal number are necessary at the minimum. Then, the bar code has five(5) digits of code if the bar code label 5 is produced as usual. But,the bar code having five (5) digits (characters) of code can not beaffixed since the place for affixing the bar code label 5 of eachcuvette 1 is small. Then, the bar code label 5 having total four (4)digits (characters) of bar code, with only one (1) digit of data code isaffixed on each cuvette 1, and cuvette identification information foridentifying ninety six (96) of cuvettes 1 is produced by the informationproducing portion 111 from the total four digits of bar code. That is,information is produced as follows.

[0067]FIG. 14 is a view for showing usage example when the contents ofthe code corresponding to cuvette identification information INF of IDin cuvette box is shown with start code S, data code I, stop code P. Ifthe start code of first line digit of the bar code label 5 affixed onthe cuvette 1 read by the bar code reader 14 is “a”, the data code is“1” and the stop code is “a”, for instance, as shown in FIG. 14, theinformation producing portion regards the start code “a” and the stopcode “a” as data code in addition to the data code “1” so as to producethe identification information “a1a” from these three (3) digits code.If the start code of the bar code of the cuvette 1 subsequently read is“a”, the data code is “1” and the stop code is “b”, the informationproducing portion 111 produces “a1b”. And so forth, the cuvetteidentification information INF comprised of three (3) digits(characters) of data code is produced from four (4) digits (characters)of bar code shown on the bar code label 5 concerning ninety six (96) ofcuvettes 1, regarding start code and stop code as data code. The cuvetteidentification information INF concerning each cuvette 1 is thusproduced as shown in FIG. 14.

[0068] That is, start/stop can be detected if optional one digit(character) of “a” through “d” is used for start code S and stop code P.So, four kinds of start code “a” through “d” and four kinds of stop code“a” through “d” are also used as data code, thereby the capacity can beincreased up to 4×10×4=160 kinds with the same four digits (characters)of bar code if actual data code I has one digit (character) (In thepresent embodiment, the capacity more than 96 kinds is not necessary, sothe capacity is made 4 ×8×4=128 kinds using the numerals “1” through “8”for data code I).

[0069] As mentioned before, the code of the bar code label 5 can bechanged into four digits (characters) from five digits (characters) byproducing information using start code and stop code as data code. Then,one digit can be decreased, more cuvettes 1 capable of identifying bybar code can be prepared, and the bar code label can be affixed to alimited place, such as the cuvette 1.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 11(b), the bar code label 7 of cuvette box ID isused as a general way since the size is not limited, as mentionedbefore, then twelve (12) digits of bar code label in which nine (9)digits are data code is used. By doing so, the code of bar code label 7can have the capacity of 10⁹ kinds (cuvette box identificationinformation).

[0071] That is, the capacity of the cuvette ID is the kinds of 128×10⁹in total, and the same number of cuvettes 1 can be measured by thepresent cuvette control unit 19. As mentioned above, the capacity of thebar code CA of ID in cuvette box is possible up to 160 (one hundred andsixty) kinds by producing the cuvette identification information INF,and no specific limit is for the cuvette box identification informationINF whcih is the capacity of the bar code CB of the cuvette box ID.Then, easy dealing is possible even if the number of the cuvettes to beprocessed is increased later.

[0072] As mentioned above, the information producing portion 111produces the cuvette identification information INF from the start codeS, the stop code P and the information code I of the bar code CA (thebar code CA input by the bar code reader 14 is input in the informationproducing portion 111 so as to produce it as the cuvette identificationinformation INF, hereinafter) so as to input in the r registrationexecution portion 107. The registration execution portion 107 refers tothe table TB of the table storing portion 108 (concerning the recordhaving cuvette box ID which input is judged at step S52 just before) andjudges as to whether or not the ID in cuvette box shown by the inputcuvette identification information INF has been already registered (stepS57) . If already registered, error processing is performed since it isthe registration to the same cuvette (step S58) and error message or thelike is displayed through the monitor 102 or the like. If noregistration is judged in step S57, the registration execution portion107 stores ID in cuvette box (cuvette identification information INF)and product ID in respectively predetermined fields in the recordswherein input pointer is produced in table TB (step S59). At the sametime, registration flag of record is made “1” which shows “alreadyregistered” (Not yet registered is made “0”.). In FIG. 5(b), forinstance, in the first record of table TB, the cuvette identificationinformation INF (ID in cuvette box)“a1a” is stored in the item of “ID incuvette box”, the products ID “0000000001” is stored in the item of“products ID” and “1” is stored in the item of “registration flag”,respectively.

[0073] The values have been thus registered in the fields of cuvette boxID, ID in cuvette box and products ID in one record. As shown in FIG.5(b), the key item for identifying respective records, which is alsorecord No. is cuvette ID. That is, registration of one cuvette IDfinishes.

[0074] Subsequently, the registration execution portion 107 judges as towhether or not the registration of ID in cuvette box in the same cuvettebox 6 has been finished on the basis of input by the bar code reader 14or the keyboard 101 (step S60). If not finished, the program returns tostep S56, again. By repeating above-mentioned steps S56 through S60 inorder, the cuvettes 1 of the same cuvette box 6 are registered in order.When the program returns to step S56 from step S60, the input pointer intable TB is moved to the record one line under (see FIG. 5), and thesame value as one of the above line of record is input in the cuvettebox ID in the record.

[0075] When registration thus finishes to all of ninety six (96) ofcuvettes 1 in the same cuvette box 6 and the program proceeds with stepS60, finish of registration of ID in cuvette box is judged on the basisof the input by the bar code reader 14 or the keyboard 101. Then, theprogram returns to step S52, again, and all of n of cuvette boxes 6 isregistered by repeating the above-mentioned steps S52 through S60 inorder.

[0076] As mentioned above, the registration of n×96=96· n of cuvette IDis all finished. In the state that registration all finished, thecommand of registration finish is read and input in place of reading thebar code of the cuvette box 6 (operation input D1). The input of allregistration finish command is judged in step S54, the program gets outof subroutine for command selection. When step S6 is thus finished, theprogram returns to step S2, again.

[0077] <Measurement>

[0078] As mentioned above, n×96=96 · n of cuvettes 1 whereinregistration of cuvette ID is finished are centrifuged, and themeasurement of these cuvettes 1 is executed via the micro-leukocytometer17 in the following way.

[0079] [{circle over (1)} Input of products ID]

[0080] A tester gets the bar code reader 14 to read the bar code label 7of the cuvette box 6 and the bar code label 5 of one cuvette 1 of thecuvette box 6.

[0081] Then, the input judging portion 104 judges that information isinput (step S2), as shown in FIG. 6, and judges that the information isbar code input (step S3). The bar code judging portion 106 judges thatthe information input by bar code input is not bar code command (stepS4), and that this is cuvette ID (it means combination of cuvette box IDand ID in cuvette box in this case) (step S6). And, the program proceedswith step S8 which is the subroutine for searching ID correspondingtable. When no cuvette ID is judged in step S6, error processing isperformed (step S7), and the program returns to step S2, again.

[0082]FIG. 7 is a flowchart for showing an example of process contentsof subroutine for searching ID corresponding table. When the programenters into subroutine for searching ID corresponding table of step S8,the main control portion 100 instructs the ID searching portion 109 tosearch ID. Receiving this, the ID searching portion 109 searches tableTB with the cuvette ID (the combination of cuvette box ID and ID incuvette box) judged in step S6 as a key, and judges as to whether or notthe record having the corresponding cuvette ID exists, that is, as towhether or not the cuvette ID has been registered (step S81). When thejudgement is that no corresponding record exists, and that no cuvette IDis registered, error processing is performed (step S82), and the programgets out of the subroutine so as to return to step S2, as shown in FIG.6.

[0083] When the record having the corresponding cuvette ID is searchedin the table TB in step S81, the judgement is that the cuvette ID hasbeen registered so as to obtain the products ID included in the recordsearched (step S83). The obtained products ID is displayed on themonitor 102 or the like (step S84). Watching this display, an operatorconfirms the products ID. At the same time, the products ID obtained instep S83 is directly transferred to the micro-leukocytometer 17 throughthe connection cable 18 in addition to displaying on the monitor 102 soas to input.

[0084] When the products ID is thus obtained so as to input in themicro-leukocytometer 17, the program gets out of the subroutine forsearching ID corresponding table so as to return to Step S2, as shown inFIG. 6.

[0085] On this occasion, the products ID can be manually input throughthe keyboard 101 or the like. When the products ID is manually inputthrough the key board 101 or the like, for instance, the input judgingportion 104 judges that the information is input (step S2), and judgesthat the information is not bar code input (step S3), as shown in FIG.6. And, the products ID input by an appropriate keyboard inputsubroutine (step S9) is transferred to the micro-leukocytometer 17 as itis so as to input.

[0086] [{circle over (2)} Measurement with machine]

[0087] After the products ID concerning the cuvette 1 to be measured isinput in the micro-leukocytometer 17, a tester gets the bar code reader14 to read a predetermined bar code (the bar code for measurementcommand) (not shown). As shown in FIG. 6, the input judging portion 104judges that information is input (step S2) and judges that theinformation is the bar code input (step S3). The bar code judgingportion 106 judges that the information input by bar code input is barcode command (step S4), and executes the command selection subroutine(step S5).

[0088] As shown in FIG. 8, in the command selection subroutine, theinput command is not registration command, but measurement command, sothe judgement is that it is not registration command (step S51), andanother command subroutine 1 is executed (step S70).

[0089]FIG. 9 is a flowchart for showing an example of process contentsof another command subroutine 1. The bar code judging portion 106 judgesas to whether or not the information judged that it is not registrationcommand is measurement command by referring to the ID command table 103a held in advance by the program execution portion 103 (step S701). Inthis case, it is measurement command. So, the bar code judging portion106 judges that it is measurement command, and the program proceeds withthe following step S702. If the judgement is that it is not measurementcommand, the program proceeds with another command subroutine 2 since itis further different command (step S80: Detailed explanation is omittedsince it is not related to the point of the present invention.).

[0090] When the program enters in step S702, the measurement controlportion 110 communicates with the micro-leukocytometer 17 side, andjudges as to whether or not measurement ID is input. The measurement IDis comprised of the product ID input by the above-mentioned [{circleover (1)} Input of products ID] and another measurement conditions(input in the micro-leukocytometer 17 in advance). When the judgement isthat the products ID has not yet been input and then, the measurement IDhas not been yet input, error processing is performed (step S703) sincemeasurement can not be executed. Then, the program gets out of thesubroutine.

[0091] The products ID is input by [{circle over (1)} Input of productsID] here, and the judgement is that the products ID is input. Then, theprogram proceeds with step S704. That is, the measurement controlportion 110 judges as to whether or not the products ID has beenmeasured by referring to table TB. This judgement is executed on thebasis of measurement flag (mentioned hereinafter) provided in table TB.When the judgement is the products ID has been already measured in stepS704, error processing is performed (step S703) since it is notnecessary to execute measurement. Then, the program gets out of thesubroutine.

[0092] When the judgement is the products ID has not yet been measuredin step S704, the measurement flag of the record having thecorresponding products ID in table TB is made “1” which shows “alreadymeasured” (“not yet measured” is “0”) by the measurement control portion110 (step S705). Subsequently, the program proceeds with a predeterminedmeasurement subroutine (step S900). In this measurement subroutine, forinstance, the measurement control portion 110 allows themicro-leukocytometer 17 to measure.

[0093] Then, a tester operates the micro-leukocytometer 17 so as toexecute predetermined measurement. The measurement result is properlydisplayed and recorded on the micro-leukocytometer 17 or in the computer15. After step S900, the program gets out of another command subroutine1, and step S70 finishes, as shown in FIG. 8. And, the program gets outof the command selection subroutine, and returns to step S2 from stepS5, as shown in FIG. 6.

[0094] Then, the measurement of one cuvette 1 finishes. Thereafter,concerning remaining cuvettes 1, a series of procedures is repeated inorder in such a manner that the products ID is input in themicro-leukocytometer 17 by [{circle over (1)} Input of products ID] andmeasurement is executed by [{circle over (2)} Measurement with machine].By doing so, measurement finishes concerning all of 96· n of cuvettes 1.

[0095] According to the present cuvette control unit 19, all ofoperations, such as keyboard input which has been manually executed,correspondence between cuvette ID and products ID which has beenmanually written, is executed by bar code system. Since the input in thecomputer 15 is executed by bar code, the input of ID of 10 digitsincluding blood collecting center where blood is collected, place whereblood is collected, serial number and the like as blood products ID, forinstance, is made easier than manually input.

[0096] Besides, troublesome operation is unnecessary without executingtroublesome operation, such as the operation of manually entry of IDnumber in the cuvette 1 with a marking ink, the operation of manuallyentry of the corresponding between the cuvette ID and the blood productsID in a notebook or the like, for many cuvettes 1. Therefore, burden ofmeasurement operation is reduced, and mental and physical pain given toa tester is made smaller. Besides, input error and repeating the samemeasurement twice or more times in the past, can be avoided since inputin the computer 15 is made by bar code.

[0097] Even if a tester takes out the cuvette 1 regardless of the orderso as to register and to measure, results of registration andmeasurement can be obtained so as to correctly correspond to each otherwithout checking a notebook or the like since the correspondence isperformed by the computer 15 (But, ID in cuvette box and the products IDshould be simultaneously registered at the time of registration.).

[0098] Furthermore, bar code table of bar code command is prepared inaddition to bar code of ID number for the bar code input system of thepresent cuvette control unit 19. Then, necessary many commands, such asregistration, measurement, storing of measuring result, storing of imagedata, printing, setting of various values, referring to help, arepossible without using a keyboard or a mouse. Therefore, a tester canmeasure only with the bar code reader 14 without input by a keyboard ora mouse, without passing thing from one hand to the other.

[0099] In another embodiment, another bar code reader can be providedwith the portion of the micro-leukocytometer 17 where the cuvette 1 isset. Firstly, the cuvette box ID is read in advance so as to set anoptional cuvette 1 on the measurement machine 17. Then, ID in cuvettebox read by the bar code reader in the measurement machine 17 issearched by the computer 15 and products ID is obtained so as to startmeasurement. After measurement, product ID and measurement result areinput in the computer 15, corresponding to each other. By operating asmentioned before, the burden of a tester in measurement operation can befurther decreased.

[0100] Ninety six (96) of cuvettes 1, for instance, are entered in thecuvette box 6. Then, Ninety six (96) of kinds of the identificationinformation INF, for instance, are necessary for the cuvette 1 toprepare (to produce). In case where forty (40) cuvettes 1, for instance,are entered in the cuvette box 6, the cuvettes 1 can be identified andcontrolled by preparing (producing) forty kinds of identificationinformation INF for the cuvettes 1. On this occasion, the number of thecuvette identification information INF is four (4) kinds of code forcontrolling×ten (10) kinds of data code (0−9)=fourty (40) kinds ifeither of start code and stop code of code for controlling is producedas code for information. Then, forty (40) cuvettes 1 can be identifiedand controlled. That is, forty (40) or less cuvettes 1 can be identifiedand controlled if one of both stating code S and stop code P is usedwithout using both.

[0101] In case where the cuvettes 1 have different size and shape, and1600 cuvettes capable of affixing five digits of bar code thereon areidentified, for instance, the number of the cuvette identificationinformation INF is 4 kinds (a-d) of start code S ×100 kinds of data codeI (0−99)×4 kinds of stop code (a-d)=1600 kinds, then 1600 cuvettes canbe identified and controlled by making the digit of the code forinformation of the bar code five digits (characteres) in total addingtwo digits. Therefore, for instance, 160 or more and 1600 or lesscuvettes can be identified and controlled by making the bar code fivedigits (characters).

[0102] The present invention is explained on the basis of the embodimentheretofore. The embodiments which are described in the presentspecification are illustrative and not limiting. The scope of theinvention is designated by the accompanying claims and is not restrictedby the descriptions of the specific embodiments. Accordingly, all thetransformations and changes belonging to the claims are included in thescope of the present invention.

1. Cuvette control unit for controlling cuvettes by reading a first barcode affixed on said cuvette, said first bar code being comprised ofcodes for controlling located on both end portions and code forinformation located between said codes for controlling, said cuvettecontrol unit comprising: a first reading means capable of reading saidfirst bar code; a cuvette identification information producing means forproducing cuvette identification information corresponding to saidcuvette on which said first bar code is affixed from said code forcontrolling and said code for information of said first bar code read bysaid first reading means; and a memory means for storing said cuvetteidentification information produced by said cuvette identificationinformation producing means, corresponding to said cuvette on which saidfirst bar code is affixed.
 2. The cuvette control unit as set forth inclaim 1, wherein said cuvette identification information producing meansproduces said cuvette identification information corresponding to saidcuvette on which said first bar code is affixed from start code of saidcodes for controlling and said code for information.
 3. The cuvettecontrol unit as set forth in claim 1, wherein said cuvetteidentification information producing means produces said cuvetteidentification information corresponding to said cuvette on which saidfirst bar code is affixed from stop code of said codes for controllingand said code for information.
 4. The cuvette control unit as set forthin claim 1, wherein said cuvette identification information producingmeans produces said cuvette identification information corresponding tosaid cuvette on which said first bar code is affixed from start code ofsaid codes for controlling and stop code of said codes for controllingand said code for information.
 5. The cuvette control unit as set forthin claim 1, wherein said first bar code is comprised of said codes forcontrolling comprised of start code and stop code, one digit of saidcode for information and one digit of code for inspection.
 6. Thecuvette control unit as set forth in claims 1 through 5 for controllinga plurality of said cuvettes stored in a cuvette box on which a secondbar code is affixed, wherein a second reading means capable of readingsaid second bar code is provided, a cuvette box identificationinformation producing means for producing cuvette box identificationinformation corresponding to said cuvette box, on which said second barcode is affixed, from said second bar code read by said second readingmeans is provided, and a storing control means for storing said cuvetteidentification information corresponding to said cuvette stored in saidcuvette box, on which said second bar code is affixed, read by saidsecond reading means, produced by said cuvette identificationinformation producing means, and said cuvette box identificationinformation produced by said cuvette box identification informationproducing means, corresponding to each other in said memory means isprovided.
 7. Controlling method, comprising: storing correspondingrelation information between blood products information obtained by athird bar code affixed on a blood products storing means storing bloodproducts and said cuvette identification information of said first barcode affixed on said cuvette obtained by said cuvette control unit asset forth in claims 1 through 6 in said memory means, when said bloodproducts is processed using said cuvettes; and controlling said bloodproducts by said cuvette identification information.